You May Pass PCOS to Your Daughter at Birth!

Millions of women around the world with PCOS go undiagnosed and this is the exact number of women who don’t know what PCOS is. Most of the women reading this article might not even know that they might pass this Genetic Disorder to their daughters. This is the reason why Igenomix is constantly trying to acquaint women, planning to start a family with the various genetic disorders that they might risk their children with and are also asking them to take tests that may help them know about these genetic disorders.

Know What’s PCOS

PCOS is the most common hormonal endocrine disorder that affects women and about 5-10% women who fall under the category of “child bearing age” are affected by this disease, out of which only 50% are diagnosed. PCOS is a condition when the levels of sex hormones present in women, namely estrogen and progesterone are out of balance. This imbalance affects the menstrual cycle of women which may pose problems in pregnancy as well. PCOS also effects the physical appearance of women like they may have severe acne, facial hair or develop male pattern baldness. The impact of this disease doesn’t limit itself to menstrual cycle or physical appearance if untreated it may lead to cardiac problems or type II diabetes, which is why this disease is also called ‘Silent Killer’.

State the Cause

One cannot get a fix on the exact cause of this disease but doctors assure that hormonal imbalance and genetics are the dominant aspects. Hence as said earlier, mothers that are diagnosed with PCOS are most likely to pass this disease to their daughters. Not only this a peculiar sub-genotype of FMR1 is associated with PCOS, which heightens the risk of having Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), which is the most common cause of intellectual disabilities in India. This genetic disorder has its impact majorly on the male child causing mental disabilities that range from developmental to learning limitations. They may also have certain physical abnormalities like a large forehead, elongated face, flat feet, etc. This disease is a lifelong condition and there is a rare chance that individuals with this disorder may live independently.

The Saviour

There is a possibility that you are a carrier of FMR1 or PCOS and are leading quite a normal life but you might put your child at risk of having these genetic disorders and they might not lead the same, easy life. Do not fret! If you are planning to have a baby, Igenomix recommends you to go for CGT- Carrier Genetic Tests, which is a simple DNA test before pregnancy that analyses over 6,000 mutations corresponding to more than 600 genetic disorders. As elders put it, “being parents is quite a responsible task” so make CGT as your first responsible step towards being “responsible parents”.